The 10 Biggest Skin Mistakes You Can Make

Yahoo‘s skin expert, Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D. came up with a list of the ten biggest skin mistakes you can easily make. Take her advice to preserve what you’ve got in this South Florida sun. We only get one skin, so take care of it!

1. Using tanning beds
If you haven’t already figured out that tanning beds are horrible for you, take the word of the World Health Organization that have officially classified tanning beds as a known carcinogen. Looking for skin cancer? A tanning bed is a sure way to find it.

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2. Not using SPF daily
This is great advice, especially in South Florida where the sun is always beating down on us. Dr. Baumann says to “Do your skin a favor and use a moisturizer with at least SPF 15. You’re moisturizing anyway, right?”

3. Getting too much sun
Sure your body needs a few minutes of sun each day to stay healthy. But if it’s more than 10-15 minutes of unprotected sun, you’re doing more harm than good. WEAR SUNSCREEN and your skin will be protected while still giving your body a nice dose of vitamin D.

4. Using the wrong cleanser
You must use the right type of cleanser for your skin type. Dr. Baumann recommends a foaming cleanser for you oily types like Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing. Using the wrong type of cleanser for your skin type could make your problems worse.

5. Not using a retinoid
Dr. Baumann is often asked “What is the best night cream to prevent aging?” In her opinion, the family of vitamin A creams known as “retinoids” are best for helping to prevent aging and smoothing wrinkles. In fact, Dr. Baumann suggests that everyone over the age of 20 use retinoids on your face nightly.

6. Over-exfoliating
Exfoliation is best for oily, resistant skin types. If you have dry skin, too much exfoliation strips the lipids from your skin and can cause inflammation.

7. Using daytime moisturizer if you have oily skin
If you have oily skin, why are you using moisturizer? Skip it and go straight to sunscreen instead. Those contain hydrating ingredients that help with moisturizing while providing protection. If you have oily skin, but dry spots, moisturize only in the drier areas.

8. Paying too much for skincare
You don’t always get what you pay for when it comes to skin care products. Dr. Baumann knows skin care and she recommends you read this article to learn “when to save and when to splurge” on skin care products.

9. Not knowing your skin type
Many people have no clue what their skin type is, which makes it more likely that they are using the wrong products. Fortunately, Dr. Baumann has come up with a scale of 16 different skin types for her “Baumann skin types.” Visit her website skintypesolutions.com to take the questionnaire and determine your exact skin type.

10. Not getting a full-body skin exam every year
Yes, it can be a drag going to the doctor every year to get checked out and make sure your skin is healthy. But that’s the best way to find problems and stop them before they become severe. Dr. Baumann says you should especially have a yearly skin checkup if you’ve had two or more bad sunburns in your lifetime. She suggests that you find a dermatologist at www.aad.org.